SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday urged schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) to use the two-day class suspension to conduct safety inspections and disinfection activities amid the recent rise in flu-like illnesses and successive earthquakes in the country.

“With recent earthquakes and rising flu-like illnesses, preparedness is non-negotiable,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Schools in the National Capital Region should take advantage of the two-day class suspension to inspect classrooms and other facilities to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and other school personnel before the resumption of face-to-face classes,” he added.

He also emphasized that inspections should be paired with thorough disinfection of classrooms and school premises to help prevent the spread of illness among students and staff.

“Hindi puwedeng hintayin ang sakuna bago kumilos. Kaligtasan ang pangunahin nating tungkulin,” the senator stressed. “Schools must ensure they are safe havens, not hazards.”

The Department of Education earlier announced a temporary suspension of classes in NCR following reports of flu outbreaks among students and in light of recent seismic activities.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, reiterated the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the health and safety of the school community.